LOS ANGELES, California – Green Globe announced re-certification of the Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa Koh Samui in Bophut, Thailand. For years this luxury hotel has been demonstrating corporate social responsibility and sustainable tourism, integrating ethical and environmentally-friendly practices into its core business operations and management.

“We are proud that our resort has been successfully re-certified,” said Manish Jha, General Manager at the Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa Koh Samui, “We are constantly reinforcing our commitment towards environmental conservation and the requirements of Green Globe standards, always researching new methods or technologies to help us continue to reduce our eco-footprint. Whether it is as simple as watering our garden with recycled water or going a step further and changing plastic shampoo and soap bottles in every guest room to glass containers, we do make every possible effort to protect the environment.”

The Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa Koh Samui has implemented a long-term sustainability management system. Energy and water consumption is minimized in all areas of the resort and a reduction target has been set in line with Anantara Group requirements of at least 10% annually. The resort combats pollution through reducing, reusing, and recycling solid waste which impacts landfills, and by cooperating with a local waste management company. Packaging is reduced to a minimum and local suppliers focusing on products that are durable and recyclable are given preference. Guests are invited to join local social awareness programs offered by the hotel, and indigenous culture is integrated into everyday experiences.

All Anantara properties across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, the Maldives, and the Middle East immerse in local initiatives that give back to the community and environment, enhancing the social and environmental surroundings of each Anantara destination. Whether it’s rescuing street elephants in Thailand, marine turtle protection in Phuket, coral rejuvenation in the Maldives, or supporting local farmers in Indonesia, Anantara is dedicated to carrying out a corporate social responsibility program at a grassroots level in each of its exotic locations around the world.

Green Globe Certification’s CEO, Guido Bauer, said: “We are extremely pleased to award re-certification to the Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa Koh Samui in Thailand. The resort offers a unique destination experience, drawing its strength from rich cultural traditions, historic heritage, and the natural beauty of the location. I am most impressed with Anantara’s dedication to community projects, such as the Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation, set up to improve the plight of Thailand’s elephants. Recently, the company donated over 3 million baht to the Rak’s Thai Foundations, 84 Schools Project, which aims to help 6,720 disadvantaged children in poor and remote areas. To date, 12 Anantara properties in Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, and the UAE have been Green Globe certified.”

ABOUT ANANTARA BOPHUT SAMUI RESORT & SPA

Located on a tranquil stretch of sand, Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa offers inimitable luxury coupled with renowned Thai hospitality. Anantara Bophut presents a Koh Samui resort lifestyle that is quite unlike any other, from Bill Bensley designed tropical gardens which complement the charms at Fisherman’s Cove on Bophut Beach, to southern Thai architecture, which reflects the local cultural heritage and world-class amenities enhanced by Anantara’s unique design touches. The property features 106 spacious resort rooms, brought to life by Southern Thai artwork and décor. Guests can enjoy a wealth of leisure facilities and experiences from windsurfing and sailing to spa, beach, yoga, tennis, cooking classes and area excursions. Anantara Bophut Samui Resort restaurants offer fiery Thai curries and handmade Italian pastas, open kitchens and tableside cooking, rich local flavors along with some of the world’s best culinary traditions. Bophut Beach, located on Koh Samui’s northern coast, is 15 minutes from Koh Samui’s International Airport. Shuttle flights from/to Bangkok operate on an hourly basis.

Contact: Jularak Colharn, Area Public Relations Manager, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, 17th Floor, Berli Jucker House, 99 Soi Rubia, Sukhumvit 42 Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Phone +66 (0) 2365 7677, Fax +66 (0) 2365 7797, Email [email protected] , www.anantara.com

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com